MLB Player News

Cabrera (knee) is back in the lineup Wednesday against the Nationals, batting third and starting at third base.

Cabrera knocked in a run as a pinch hitter on Tuesday and is getting his first start of the season at third base on Wednesday. He's hitting .298 with four home runs and 14 RBI on the season. He replaces Nick Castellanos in the lineup Wednesday.

Choi was designated for assignment Wednesday by the Angels.

Choi is 1-for-18 with six walks this season, but with the Angels acquiring Jhoulys Chacin, Choi has been moved off the 40-man roster to clear room. The 24-year-old has been a good hitter in the minors throughout his career, which means he may not clear waivers.

Belt is not in the lineup Wednesday against Toronto due to illness.

Belt will get the day off, as the Giants go with Conor Gillaspie at first base Wednesday. Gillaspie will bat seventh in the order against Toronto's Marcus Stroman. Consider Belt day-to-day until the team says otherwise.

Ozuna collected three hits in four at-bats during Tuesday's loss to the Brewers, driving in a run and scoring once.

The Marlins' offense scored just two runs in the loss, but they've been clicking overall during the past several weeks. Ozuna has done his part in the surge, putting together a 10-game hit streak (with seven multi-hit efforts) to bring his batting line up to .294/.344/.504 on the year after hitting just .229 in April.

Goins is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Giants, Barry Davis of Sportsnet reports.

The slick-fielding Goins is off to a dreadful start at the plate, hitting just .155 with one home run and five RBI in 32 games. With Devon Travis still sidelined, Darwin Barney will get the start at second base and Goins could continue to cede playing time if he can't pick up his performance at the plate.

Brantley (shoulder) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Astros, Zach Meisel of Cleveland.com reports.

Brantley is dealing with a minor shoulder injury, and he'll be held out of the lineup Wednesday, as anticipated. The Indians are off Thursday, so Brantley will have an opportunity to get back on the field Friday coming off three full days of rest.

Carpenter went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs in Tuesday's win over the Angels.

The 30-year-old now has four multi-hit games over his last five, and he has doubled his season home run total with three long balls in the last three games. Carpenter continues to bat leadoff for a Cards offense that ranks near the top of the league in most major categories, and his arrow is pointing up as we approach mid-May.

Brantley (shoulder) is out of the lineup Tuesday and is expected to sit Wednesday as well, Zack Meisel of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Per manager Terry Francona, Brantley's shoulder is still not bouncing back in ideal fashion. With a team off day Thursday, it sounds like Brantley will be afforded three full days to rest the shoulder with eye toward returning for this weekend's series against the Twins. Brantley turned in a four-hit game last week but is just 9-for-39 with two extra-base hits (both doubles) in 11 games since his return from the DL.

Brantley is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Astros.

Brantley went 0-for-4 Monday, as he's struggled to the tune of a .231/.279/.282 slash line since returning from the disabled list. Jose Ramirez will draw another start in left field in his absence and bat sixth against Houston starter Chris Devenski.

Cabrera (knee) is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Nationals.

Cabrera jammed his knee in Monday's contest, and though he was expected to return to the lineup Tuesday without missing any time, it appears as though Detroit will exercise caution. Victor Martinez will take over at first base and with no DH option as the Tigers play in a National League park, Cabrera will head to the bench.